Queen Vic market to be heritage listed

Melbourne's Queen Victoria Market could one day stand tall alongside the Taj Mahal, Sydney Opera House and Stonehenge - if it's accepted as a World Heritage Listed site.

But it could be a lengthy process, with federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt admitting it could take up to two years just to get it on the National Heritage List.

It could then take years to make it onto the world list, he says.

Despite strict controls and processes needed to get the tick of approval, pursuing the heritage listings won't affect the council's multimillion dollar redevelopment of the market and surrounding areas, according to Lord Mayor Robert Doyle.

"What people have to be assured is although we will spend $240 million rejuvenating this market, it will be protected and it will be the Queen Victoria Market people know and love," he told reporters on Friday.